Air Duct Cleaning 101: Why have my air ducts cleaned?
We cover so much about how to keep the indoor air quality in our homes in the best shape we possibly can. We usually throw in air duct cleaning at the bottom somewhere just so you remember who is sharing all these great tips and ideas. Today, however, I wanted to do a little educating on the reasons you probably should consider air duct cleaning.
We rely heavily on our HVAC systems no matter what the season. Perhaps, we give it more thought in the spring and summer months just because of our comfort factor. Our systems work particularly hard during those months. Most of us are reasonably good at making sure our systems are maintained properly. That is the good news. However, because the ducts are pretty much out of sight they are pretty much out of mind as well. That is most unfortunate.
According to the NADCA in a typical 6 room home around 40 pounds of dust is generated annually. This dust consists of all kinds of contaminants and is circulated through the air duct system in just one year. Of course, you use filters and I’m sure you are diligent about changing them in a timely manner (wink, wink). That’s a very good thing. But, do you really think those filters take care of 40 pounds? Probably not. It settles in the ducts and 40 pounds is just one year. Can you imagine what has settled in your air ducts if you’ve never had them cleaned or not in the last 5 years or so. I’m thinking you are beginning to get the picture. That would add up to a lot of dust and other contaminants.
Regular household dust and contaminants are not the only reasons to have them cleaned. If your home is brand new or if you have recently remodeled there are even more reasons to have them cleaned. During a new build or even a remodel lots of things inadvertently make their way into the ducts. We have seen all manner of construction debris in the duct work as we have helped our customers clean up their air. Sawdust, of course, was found but also larger debris even pieces of insulation and wood scraps.
And, of course, another reason could be that in years of use, in and out, whatever goes on at your house, it is possible that pests and even small rodents could possibly have made their way into your ducts. Sounds disgusting doesn’t it.
Just because it sounds disgusting is not necessarily the reason to consider air duct cleaning. Although, it is a reason. Just consider what all that could possibly be putting in the air that you and your family breathe all day everyday. That definitely is reason enough to consider having it done.
Give us a call or check out our site to get a free estimate on air duct cleaning. We can help you have one less thing to concern yourself with.